EN 50126 / EN 50128 / EN 50129 – Railway Applications are the key European standards for safety, reliability, and signalling/control systems in the railway industry. Learn what they cover, why they are essential, and access official documents below.
What Are EN 50126, EN 50128 & EN 50129?
EN 50126 defines the specification and demonstration of Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety (RAMS) for railway systems.
EN 50128 governs the lifecycle of software used in railway control and protection systems.
EN 50129 regulates safety-related electronic systems for signalling and ensures that hardware components meet strict safety requirements.
Why These Standards Matter
- Ensures signalling, control, and system reliability — essential to prevent accidents or failures.
- Harmonized standards recognized across Europe, mandatory under railway directives.
- Systematic lifecycle approach: from planning to maintenance, defining robust RAMS and safety processes.
- Software & hardware safety: covers both control/processing software and electronic/hardware signalling systems.
What Each Standard Covers – Overview
- EN 50126: RAMS framework for railway systems — reliability, maintainability, lifecycle safety, risk management.
- EN 50128: Safety-critical software standards for signalling/control systems — development lifecycle, verification, validation, risk analysis, Safety Integrity Levels (SIL).
- EN 50129: Safety-related electronic & hardware systems for signalling — ensures electronic subsystems meet safety requirements.
Who Should Apply These Standards?
Companies, suppliers, integrators, or manufacturers working on railway signalling, control systems, interlocking, rolling-stock electronics, railway infrastructure, or safety-critical software/hardware for rail transport — for heavy rail, light rail, metro, or urban systems.
Access the Official Standards
Search, view, or purchase official documents for EN 50126, EN 50128, EN 50129 via a licensed provider:
FAQ: EN 50126 / EN 50128 / EN 50129
What is EN 50126?
EN 50126 specifies RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety) requirements for railway systems, establishing lifecycle processes from design to maintenance.
What does EN 50128 regulate?
EN 50128 governs the development and validation of software for railway control and protection systems, including verification, risk analysis, and Safety Integrity Levels (SIL).
Why is EN 50129 required?
EN 50129 addresses safety-related electronic and hardware signalling systems, ensuring components of signalling/control systems meet strict safety and reliability standards.
Are these standards mandatory?
Yes. For railway projects and systems in the EU, EN 50126, EN 50128, and EN 50129 are mandatory for certification, compliance, and safety assurance under EU directives.